DILI, 22 June 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste’s National Parliament on Monday paid tribute to former President Francisco Guterres “Lú-Olo”, honoring his political career and contributions to the nation’s state-building process.
The tribute was held at the opening of the parliamentary session, where lawmakers observed a minute of silence in a gesture of respect and remembrance.
Presiding over the session, Vice President of the National Parliament, Duarte Nunes highlighted the significance of the tribute and expressed solidarity with the family of the late former president.
“In this moment, we remember him and pray that the Lord welcomes him into His kingdom. We also ask for strength and comfort to be granted to his family as they face this time of sorrow,” Nunes said during the plenary session.
The National Parliament joined other state institutions in mourning the death of Guterres, recognizing his role in Timor-Leste’s political life and his contribution to the consolidation of the country’s democratic institutions.
Guterres, widely known as “Lú-Olo”, died on Sunday night at the age of 71 at Prince Court Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he had been receiving intensive medical treatment.
His death was announced by family members through a social media post.
A veteran of Timor-Leste’s independence struggle and a senior leader of the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (FRETILIN), Guterres served as the country’s president from 2017 to 2022 and remained one of the nation’s most prominent political figures.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Filomeno Martins
